You are no different than most people. Below we have listed some things that you may want to consider before you visit with a cemetery representative. Take a tape measure and a note pad with you.

Visit your cemetery and look to see what types of memorials are in the different sections of the cemetery.
Check to see what colors of memorials are in your area.
Check to see what sizes are in your area
Look at the different lettering styles and see which style you prefer (there are many ways to letter a memorial).
Check out the designs on different memorials... are the designs carved into the face of the memorial or left flat?
Draw a sketch of the memorial you like and indicate the measurements on the sketch.

How long do I have to wait before ordering a memorial?

If you have not preplanned your memorial ahead of time with your spouse, wait until you are comfortable talking about the memorial. Most people wait about 3 months until they know their financial position and when most of the emotional shock has passed. Preplanning and discussing the memorial design with your spouse before hand takes away much of the financial and emotional burdens.

Will the foundation that goes under the upright memorial interfere with the burial?

NO...All cemeteries have adequate space built into the graves to allow for the burial and a memorial foundation.

Why does the cemetery require a concrete foundation under the memorial?

If the concrete foundation is dug and poured below frost level it will ensure that the memorial will continue to stand up nice and straight for many decades to come.

Can I have an upright memorial on my lot or grave space?

Check with rules and regulations of the cemetery regarding designated areas for upright memorials and size requirements.

Can my memorial be as big as I want it to be?

Most (if not all) cemeteries have rules regarding sizes of memorials. Some have very tight rules others have very relaxed rules. Check with your cemetery of choice regarding size restrictions.

My cemetery will only allow me to have a flat granite or flat bronze marker. Why is this?

Some cemeteries will only allow flat markers, most of them are Memorial Gardens type cemeteries. The thinking was that cemeteries with a park-like setting would be easier to maintain. Most of these cemeteries are now planning upright memorial sections because people found it difficult to find grave spaces in the winter time when the ground was covered with snow and now more people are preferring upright memorials.

Can I have any shape or color of memorial that I want?

Yes, as long as the memorial conforms to the sizes allowed by the cemetery. Some cemeteries have a rule that the base stone must be the same material as the die stone.

Why can't I letter the back or ends of my memorial?

Some cemeteries have rules, which state that lettering on memorials must only face the grave space, and not face other people's cemetery property.

Will my memorial fade in time?

Most memorials today are made from granite and good granite will not fade or discolor in time. All granites are not created equal. Some are better than others. Check an older section in your cemetery and see how well the memorials have stood up over time.

How long will my monument or marker last?

If your memorial is made from a good quality granite it will last for many hundreds of years, probably even thousands of years.

Why aren't all granites the same price?

There are a number of reasons why granites differ in price. When a block of granite is removed from the ground there is a certain amount that is normal waste. With some granites the waste factor is much larger and obtaining good clear pieces becomes a problem so the price is higher. Sometimes granites that are imported from other countries are more expensive because of high freight costs and dollar fluctuations. Some granites are harder to polish than others hence a higher price.

Why does it take so long to complete my memorial?

There are a number of factors that control the time it takes to complete and install your memorial. The first would be the availability of the granite, and second would be the time it takes to have drawings done and approved. Remember the old saying about having things etched in stone. Once the memorial is lettered it is permanent and it is very expensive to change. Always ask for either a scaled computer drawing or a full size drawing which you can approve. Mistakes can happen always double check the spelling and dates. The last reason it can take so long to complete your memorial is the foundation. Some cemeteries install their own foundations and sometimes only twice a year. Sometimes due to bad weather it can take longer to have the foundation installed. Once your memorial is installed it will be there forever, a few extra days or weeks should not even be a consideration.

Why can't cemeteries pour foundations in the winter?

In most climates freezing is a major consideration for not installing foundations in the winter. Concrete does not set well if the temperatures are below freezing.

Will moss grow on the top of my memorial if it is not polished?

Moss growing on memorials seems to be a problem in some areas more than others. It has a lot to do with the climate and ground moisture and as well the proximity to certain trees and shrubs. Having the top polished simply makes the memorial easier to clean and the slippery surface hinders moss growth. In most cases moss or most stains can be removed by pressure washing and professional cleaning.

Why should you add the wife's maiden name to the memorial, nobody around here knew her by that name anyway?

Consider your memorial to be the only permanent piece of history that there is. Family bibles and journals can get lost or destroyed so can other family records.

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